15-12-2004 - Closing Speech at the International Conference on Poverty in the Muslim World and Communities

15TH DECEMBER, 2004

CLOSING SPEECH OF THE INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON POVERTY IN THE MUSLIM WORLD AND COMMUNITIES – PROBLEMS AND SOLUTIONS HELD AT THE BANQUET HALL ON THE 5TH FLOOR, INTERNATIONAL ISLAMIC UNIVERSITY MALAYSIA, GOMBAK , KUALA LUMPUR MALAYSIA AT 7.45 PM. ON 15TH DECEMBER, 2004

Assalaamu ‘alaikum Warahmatullaahi Wabarakaatuh.

Yours Excellencies,
Fellow Scholars and Experts,
Invited Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen

Welcome to the closing ceremony of our international conference on poverty in the Muslim World and communities..

These two days have been very taxing days for all of you and I am sure you have enjoyed and benefited from the exchange of ideas over the period.

Yesterday morning, during the opening ceremony, the Second Minister of Finance read the speech of the Hon. Prime Minister in which he said that Malaysia has reduced the number of poor people in the country from more than 50 percent to about 5 percent during a period of 30 years. That means from 1974 to 2004.

Being an elected representative of the ruling party, from 1974 to 2004, I can claim to have been a close observer of this development, and probably a minor participant, in the various programs for eradicating poverty.

PARADIGM SHIFT IN THE AGRICULTURE AND RURAL SECTOR

If you ask me to elaborate on a single idea, in the poor rural and agriculture sectors, that leads to the reduction of poverty, it is the paradigm shift from a product oriented agriculture to a people oriented agriculture.

PRODUCT-ORIENTED AGRICULTURE SECTOR

Government officials often talk of growth in the agricultural sectors.

This growth implies:

- an increase in rice production
- an increase in the tonnage of fishes caught
- an increase in rubber production
- an increase in oil palm production
- an increase in fruits and vegetables production
- an increase in pepper production
- an increase in the production of meat such as mutton, chicken and beef,
- an increase in flowers production

In the non-agricultural rural sector one talks of

- an increase in textile production
- an increase in handicrafts production

Rice, fishes, rubber, palm oil, fruits, vegetables, spices, meat, flowers, textiles and handicrafts are all products.

But an increase in the production of all these products does not necessarily mean that we are alleviating poverty. There might be less employment but higher income for fewer people involved and it is far from sorting out the problems of poverty.

PEOPLE-ORIENTED AGRICULTURE SECTOR

As such we shifted from product oriented agriculture to people oriented agriculture.

We were then interested in

- the fishermen and not just the fishes
- the rice growers or the padi planters and not the rice or padi harvested
- the rubber tapers and not the tonnage of rubber
- the oil palm plantation workers and not the production of palm oil
- the farmers and not the vegetables, fruits, flowers, and pepper harvested
- the breeders and not the meat produces
- the workers and not the textiles and handicrafts produced

13-10-2003 - LAW GRADUATES DINNER

SPEECH AT LAW GRADUATES DINNER IN THE BAHAMAS ROOM, SUNWAY HOTEL IN PYRAMID 3, LEVEL 10, SUNWAY CONVENTION CENTRE.

SALUTATION

Assalaamu’alaikum warahmatullaahi wabarakaatuh.

Brother Chairman,
Yang Arif Dato’ Abdul Hamid bin Haji Mohamad,
Federal Court Judge and Datin,
Yang Arif Dato’ Gopal Sri Ram,
Court of Appeal Judge,
Yang Arif Dato’ Haji Abdul Malik Ishak,
High Court Judge dan Datin,
Yang Arif Dato’ T. Selvathiranathan,
High Court Judge and Datin,
Yang Berbahagia Haji Khutubul Zaman Bukhari,
President Bar Council Malaysia and wife,
Associate Professor Dr. Nik Ahmad Kamal Nik Mohamad, Dean, Ahmad Ibrahim Kulliah of Laws (AIKOL),
Dr. Haji Azmi Hj. Harun, Director Law Center and Program Advisor,
Dr. Mahamad Ariffin, Deputy Dean, Academic Affairs
Brother Mohamad Khairil Abidin, Director of the Program,
Members of the Academic and Administrative Staff of the University,
Invited Guests,
Potential Graduates, Ladies and Gentlemen.

CONGRATULATIONS

I have always looked forward to this LAW GRADUATES DINNER.

Not because it is free, but because it gives me a chance to congratulate all of you, in advance, before my convocation speech, for your future success in graduating from our great university.

If only you know how much is this university held in esteem, by delegates to the 10th conference of the OIC, you will understand the feeling of our many staff who are involved in making the OIC conference a success, of wanting the delegates to ask them as to where they come from.

While in the past people in Gombak would stress on their address being in Kuala Lumpur, Kuala Lumpur resident of Gombak would only be too pleased now, to say that their neighbor is IIUM.

UNIVERSITY’S PRIDE

You will be products of IIUM. While at the moment you can be proud of being from this university, we hope that when you leave the university it can be proud of you, and the university will become more famous because of you.

INDEPENDENCE OF THE JUDICIARY

Whether you become practicing lawyers or using your legal knowledge and discipline, in executive positions, in the private or public sector, you must uphold the independence of the judiciary.

06-08-2001 LAW FIESTA & ECONOMIC FORUM

ASSALAAMUALAIKUM WARAHMATULLAAHI WABARAKAATUH.

BISMILLAHIRAHMANIRRAHIM

Mr. Chairman,
The Rector,
Members of the Academic and Administrative Staff,
Members of the Organising Committee,
Brothers and Sisters in Islam.

CONGRATULATIONS

First of all I would like to congratulate members of the organising committees for their hard work to make a success of the Legal Fiesta and the Economic Forum.

It is enlightening to see the themes for the occasion. Millef 2001 for example is focusing on the 3 PROS, or on being “ Progressive …….. Professional ………… and Pro Active. “

In this season of student bashing and the stress on meritocracy, it is refreshing to see that IIUM students are looking forward towards becoming pro-active and progressive professionals.

Let us hope that the stress on meritocracy, for us, is just a confirmation of what IIUM has always stood for.

I was informed that this could be the last event for final year students of both faculties. If that is so I would like to touch on a few of my recent and past experiences in order that you too will always reflect on your past experiences in your effort to build a better tomorrow for yourself, your family, your people, the nation and the ummah.

APPOINTMENT AS PRESIDENT

When I was appointed as the President of this University by His Highness the Constitutional Head,  The Sultan of Pahang, I received a delegation from the administration saying that a few academics have questioned the legality of my appointment, as the University Constitution stipulated that such appointment can only be made in consultation with the representatives of Muslim nations who sit on the Majlis.

The dispute here is in the word consultation.

This word is also used for the Prime Minister, Menteri Besar or The Chief Minister who appoint their ministers and executive council members in consultation with the King, The Sultan or the Governor respectively.

When a King, Sultan or Governor attempt to reject the list of appointees proposed by the Prime Minister, The Menteri Besar or the Chief Minister respectively, a constitutional crisis is said to arise.

The confusion is always in the methodology and timing of consultation.

In our case there was no crisis as the Sultan agreed to sign another letter dated a month later, after consultation with representatives of other nations.

Whichever consultation method was used is unknown to me although I often wonder whether the representatives of other nations would have opposed the appointment, and if they had, whether the Sultan would have changed his mind.

I further wondered on the motive of the initial objection, as I later discovered that it did not originate from the Ambassadors. Whoever initiated it must have done it with the good intention of wanting to have everything done correctly or just being political.

If it is political he will still be unhappy with the Sultan’s second letter, even though it is constitutionally correct.

OFFICIATING THE CONFERENCE

Today I am asked to officiate this Millennium Law Fiesta 2001 and the Economic Forum.

The question is, am I qualified to do the officiating. The answer is probably positive because I am the President.

But, what do I know about law and economics.

Very little.

27-07-2004 Opening Speech for Ummatic Week 2004

Ummatic Week 2004 – Opening Speech by President of IIUM, at the Cultural Activity Center, IIUM Gombak.

Assalaamu’alaikum warahmatullaahi wabarakaatuh. 

 

Mr. Chairman, 

The Hon. Rector,
Deputy Rectors, Members of the Academic and Administrative Staff.
Chairman and Committee Members of Ummatic Week 2004.
Invited guests.
Fellow students.
Ladies and gentlemen.

Salutation

I thank the Chairman and the organizing committee members of Ummatic Week for inviting me to this function and for giving me the honour of opening the event.

A week is a long time for any event.

And the word ummatic is a big word representing the ummah, which means everyone here, and even those outside this university, inclusive of those in other countries.

Much heavier is the theme for this event, that is ‘unity beyond borders’. Presumably, it is the unity of the Muslim Ummah.
 

A Big Dream

If it is so, it is a big dream,

Some would say that it is an impossible dream. As the work of splitting the Muslim Ummah have started from the day our Prophet Muhammad S.A.W. passed away.

I must congratulate all of you for this big dream, although it cannot be achieved in one week.

But a dream we need to have.

Without a dream there can be no objective.

Without objective there can be no plan of action.

Without a plan of action there can be no results.

Understanding through history

Men have tried to understand themselves through history.

They have studied:

Man as the wanderer,

Man as the settler,

Man as the conqueror, and

Man as the worshiper.

Globalization

In 1987, at an International Conference of Specialists in Human Evolution, Archeology and Molecular Genetics, it was realised that human being came from one source and spread around the world through migration.

A research project was launched at around the same time to study the global forces now shaping our lives.

The results have now been published in a book on global transformations in Politics, Economics, and Culture.

The conclusion reached by this research, for their economic and social research council, was that globalizaation ‘is an idea whose time has come’.

06-08-2004 - International Conference on Muslims and Islam in the 21st Century: Image and Reality

Closing Speech by the President of IIUM at the Senate Hall of IIUM Gombak Main Campus of the Conference on Muslims and Islam in the 21st Century: Image and Reality on 6th August 2004.

Assalaamu’alaikum Warahmatullaahi Wabarakaatuh.

Alhamdulillaahi rabbil ‘alamin, wassalaatu wassalaamu’ala asyrafil anbiyai wal mursalin, wa’ala a lihi wasahbihi ajma’in.

Mdm. Chairperson, 

The Honorable Rector, 

Deputy Rectors, 

Chairman and members of the organising committee,

Fellow members of the academic staff of IIUM,
Scholars and thinkers,
Invited guests,
Ladies and gentlemen:

Dissatisfaction and Constraints

We have now come to the end of our three days conference.

I am sure none of us are satisfied with the time constraints due to the massive number of papers presented and discussed.

It is a good thing that we are not satisfied, as one of my greatest fears in this university is when lecturers and students are satisfied with what they have achieved.

With satisfaction our struggle might end.

I am glad to inform that I have read all the 90 plus number of papers, given to me since before the conference began. I read them all in order that I will not repeat what have been said in them. Congratulations and thank you for all the wisdom in them, I will talk of other things. Here I go.

Coincidences

It is a divine coincidence that we all meet at this conference in Kuala Lumpur. Some of us have coincidentally met in conferences at other places. These coincidences keep on recurring until we wonder whether they are really coincidences at all.

It is for this reason that Agatha Christie wrote:

“‘Any coincidence’, said Miss Marple to herself ‘is always worth noting. You can always throw it away later if it is only a coincidence.’”

In his book ‘Beyond Coincidence’ author Martin Plimmer and Brian King narrated the coincidences such as:

Laura Buxton, aged ten, releases a balloon from her garden in Staffordshire. It lands 140 miles away in Wiltshire, in the garden of another Laura Buxton, also aged ten.

Is this a coincidence?

Or is it something beyond coincidence?

Two sisters in Alabama decide, independently, to visit the other.

En route, their identical jeeps collide and both are killed.

The authors Martin and Brian asked:

Is someone playing snap with our lives?

Could it be the hand of God?

Or is it magic?

Or are we, as some scientists have suggested, being granted an insight into a hyper-connected universe whose ubiquitous web-like workings we can only dimly discern?

These are questions raised by mathematicians.

But mathematicians are not fanciful people.

They are rationalists, using number to understand life’s mysteries. Where others see coincidences as evidence of magic or divine intervention, they see the laws of probability in action.

These are coincidences in Britain and the U.S.A..

In Asia too we had our coincidences.

01-10-2003 - Inaugural Addres at International Conference on Muslim Unity

Inaugural Address of Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Sanusi bin Junid at the International Conference on Muslim Unity in the 21st Century at Nikko Hotel, Kuala Lumpur on 1st October, 2003.

Assalaamu’alaikum warahmatullaahi wabarakaatuh.

Mr. Chairman,
Professor Dr. Kamal Hassan,
Rector International Islamic University Malaysia,
Fellow participants,
Ladies and gentlemen.

Introduction

As chairman of the International Institute for Muslim Unity at the International Islamic University Malaysia I take this opportunity of welcoming all of you to this conference.

Unity

The subjects for our deliberations at this conference are centered upon the word ‘unity ‘.

Usury

The day before yesterday there was another conference on finding solutions to our economic problems via the use of gold as currency. The most important word for that conference was ‘ usury ‘. Usury is, at different rates of tolerability, and with different names, at the centre of the current world banking and financial system.

Disunity

While we are about to implement the usage of gold in international trade, our biggest obstacle is ‘unity ‘ or dis-unity among us.

Before we adopt or harbour negative views on Muslim unity, let us admit that we are better off today than we were before the fall of the Berlin wall and the eviction of communism from Russia and the improvisation of communism in China.

In the second half of the twentieth century we have been united enough to enable us to establish the following institutions:

The Organization of Islamic Conference - OIC

The Islamic Development Bank - IDB

The International Islamic University Malaysia - IIUM

The International Institute for Muslim Unity - IIMU

The Islamic Gold Dinar for International Trade - GIT

The second last is a growing institution while the last is ready for launching.

Fall of Berlin Wall

In the past, i.e. before the fall of the Berlin wall we used to cooperate with the Western Commission, a name we give to those who are against Islam, to fight against the ungodly communism. Let us look at some of those reports that show the situation before the collapse of communism.

21-10-2003 - International Conference on Harmonization of Shariah and Civil Law

CLOSING SPEECH AT THE INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON HARMONIZATION OF SHARIAH AND CIVIL LAW at 4.30 p.m. in LEGEND HOTEL, KUALA LUMPUR on 21st October 2010.

Assalaamu’alaikum warahmatullaahi wabarakaatuh.

Sister Chairperson,

Associate Professor Dr. Nik Ahmad Kamal bin Nik Mahmud, Dean, Ahmad Ibrahim Kulliyyah of Laws,
Assistant Professor Dr. Zaid bin Mohammad, Director of the Conference,
Fellow Participants,
Invited Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen.

SALUTATION

I must, first of all, congratulate all the experts and participants for making this conference a success.

I also would like to thank the organizers for making it possible.

HARMONY

I am probably the least qualified to close this conference. Unless the word close means forgetting all the useful knowledge that you have discussed.

I do not know much about civil law nor am I an expert on the Shariah law.

But I know what harmony is. I know to manage it and even how to mismanage it.

ECONOMISTS, ACCOUNTANTS AND LAWYERS

As a part-time caddy when I was a student, I was offered by Charles McGregor, the manager of Ipoh Chartered Bank, in 1962, the opportunity to be trained as a future banker.

I was not sure what the offer was as in the banking industry, in those days, even a bank clerk thinks of himself as a banker, not to mention the office boy. And if you were well connected you need not have the training or the education to be one.

I asked Charles, ‘ What is a banker.’

He paused for a while and then replied, ‘ A banker is one who studies economics, but not enough to be an economist; who studies accountancy, but not enough to be an accountant; who studies law, but not enough to be a lawyer.

Another golfer, whom I did not know, intercepted, ‘That sounds like a politician.’

A third golfer joined in, and asked me a question, ‘ Would you like to be a politician, old chap.’

09-12-2004 - IPMI (Indonesian Institute for Management Development) Convocation Speech

Speech of Tan Sri Sanusi Junid at the IPMI (Indonesian Institute for Management Development) Convocation Ceremony on 9th December 2004.

Assalaamu’alaikum Warahmatullaahi Wabarakaatuh.

And Good Morning to everyone present.

SALUTATION

The Honorable Pak Bustanil Ariffin,
The Honorable Pak Letjen Tan Sri Datuk Paduka Rahman Ramli,
Members of the Board of Management of IPMI,
Invited Guests,
The Academic and Administrative Staff of IPMI,
Parents of Graduates,
Fellow Students,
Ladies and Gentlemen.

THANK YOU AND CONGRATULATION

I must first of all thank all of you, particularly the sponsors, for making my presence here, today, possible.

I must also congratulate the graduating students who are receiving their scrolls this morning.

BANKING – 1963 to 1978

As a student of banking in the early sixties ( around the end of 1963 ) I was informed what a banker is supposed to be.

He is one who studies law but not enough to be a lawyer.

He also studies economics but insufficient to be an economist.

He studies accountancy without necessarily qualifying as an accountant.

POLITICS – 1974 to 2004

In 1974 I was invited to contest in a Malaysian General Election which I reluctantly accepted but avoided the offer to join the government.

I was at that time simultaneously a banker and an elected Member of Parliament.

I lasted thirty years as an elected representative from 1974 to 2004.

I was unfortunate not to start off with a degree in management, I merely picked up knowledge in management as I go along the way.

IMPORTANCE OF MANAGEMENT

As graduates of this university, with specific focus on management, you have a better start than I had, as you have chosen the right profession for your future and the future of Indonesia.

THE RISE AND FALL OF LEADERS AND INSTITUTIONS

Over the years of my career as a banker and a politician, inside and outside the government, as a back-bencher, I have seen in the national and global arena –

- the rise and fall of political and corporate leaders

- the growth and collapse of corporations

- the successes and failures of ministries and departments

- the effectiveness and wastefulness of national and international programs

26-08-2007 - 23rd IIUM Convocation Presidential Speech

Speech of YB. Tan Sri Sanusi Junid, President of International Islamic University of Malaysia at the 23rd IIUM Convocation Ceremony - 3rd Session on 26th August 2007.

Assalaamu'alaikum Warahmatullaahi Wabarakaatuh.

Bismillaa hir rahmaa nir rahim.
Alhamdulillaa hi rabbil ‘alamin.
Wassalaa tu wassalaa mu ‘ala asyrafil anbiaa ii wal mursalin.
Wa’alaa aa lihi wasah bihi ajma’in.

Yang Berbahagia Professor Dr. Dato’ Syed Arabi Idid, Rektor Universiti Islam Antarabangsa Malaysia,
Ahli-ahli Lembaga Gebenor dan Ahli-ahli Majlis,
Tuan-tuan Yang Terutama Duta dan Pesuruhjaya Tinggi,
Kakitangan akademik dan pentadbiran,
Dif-dif terhormat,
Ibu-ibu, bapa-bapa, waris-waris,
Para pelajar dan para hadirin yang dihormati sekelian

SAMBUTAN

Sama-sama kita bersyukur kepada Allah s.w.t. atas limpah rahmatNya dan keizinanNya sahingga kita berada dalam keadaan sihat dan sejahtera di dalam majlis konvokesyen yang ke-23 pada hari ini.

Selaku Presiden Universiti Islam Antarabangsa Malaysia, saya berasa sungguh bertuah kerana dapat bersama-sama dengan ibu-bapa, waris dan sanak saudara kepada graduan, dari seluruh dunia, yang akan menerima pelbagai ijazah.

CONGRATULATIONS

Kepada semua para graduan, ibu-bapa dan waris saya ucapkan tahniah.

It is both a great pleasure and an honour, as President of the International Islamic University Malaysia, to have this opportunity, today, to congratulate all graduates, for the satisfaction that you have earned and for your achievements, after having persevered with hard work over the years.

50TH YEAR OF MALAYSIA’S INDEPENDENCE

In five more days, on 31st August, 2007, Malaysia will be celebrating the completion of its 50th year of independance. The whole nation is now being geared up for this celebration and it is rightly so. It is a joyous occasion for the people of Malaysia.

However, while we are celebrating this joyous occasion, we should also remember, that none of us here today, among the graduates, the parents and the staff of the university, played any role in the struggle for independence. Neither today’s cabinet ministers and parliamentarians nor state executive councilors and state assemblymen were involved in the struggle.

Except for the very few pre-merdeka activists, who are still among us, such as Tun Dr. Mahathir, Tun Ghazali Shaf’ie, Tun Fatimah Hashim, Tan Sri Zahari Taib and Dato’ Siti Rahmah, who are known to me, and a few whom I could not remember, others are not around to celebrate.

We should all be grateful to our forefathers for the success of their struggle in freeing us from the yoke of colonialism.

THE NEXT 50 YEARS

The question before us is therefore whether our descendants are able to celebrate the continuing peace and progress, as we are enjoying now, 50 years hence.

27-08-2006 - 22nd IIUM Convocation Presidential Speech

Speech of YB. Tan Sri Sanusi Junid, President of International Islamic University of Malaysia at the 22nd IIUM Convocation Ceremony - 2nd Session on 27th August 2006.

Assalaamu’alaikum Warahmatullaahi Wabarakaatuh.

Bismillaahirrahmaanirrahiim. Alhamdulillahi rabbal ‘alamin. Wassala tuwassala mu ‘ala asyrafil anbia iwal mursalin. Wa’ala a lihi wasahbihi ajma'in.

Y. B. Dato Syed Arabi Idid, Rector of International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM),
Y. B. Tan Sri Prof. Dr. Kamal Hasan,
Y. B. Tengku Datuk Dr. Mohd Azman Shariffadeen bin Tengku Ibrahim, recipient of Honorary Degree of Doctor of Philosophy,
Honorable Senator Prof. Dr. Khurshid Ahmad, recipient of Honorary Degree of Doctor of Philosophy,
Prof. Dr. Mohd. Azmi Omar, Chairman of the 22nd Convocation of IIUM,
His Excellencies,
The Ambassadors,
Board of Governors and Majlis Members,
Vice Chancellors,
Deputy Rectors and Executive Directors of IIUM,
Senat Members,
Deans and Directors,
Lectures,
Tan Sri-Tan Sri, Dato’-Dato’,
Honorable Guests,
Graduans of International Islamic University Malaysia,
Parents,Members of the Media,
Ladies and Gentlemen.

Sama-sama kita bersyukur kepada Allah SWT atas limpah rahmat-Nya dan dengan keizinan-Nya, kita dapat berada dalam majelis pada hari ini.

Let us invoke the highest praises to Allah S.W.T.

Sebagai President IIUM, saya merasa sungguh bertuah kerana dapat bersama-sama dengan ibu bapak, penjaga, waris dan sanak saudara kepada graduan dari seluruh dunia.

Congratulations

My congratulations to all graduates, parents, relatives and guardians for the achievement of our graduates today.

My special congratulation goes to the honorable Tengku Datuk Dr. Mohd Azman Shariffadeen bin Tengku Ibrahim whom I have known at my school days at Malay College Kuala Kangsar (MCKK) and to the honorable Senator Professor Dr. Khurshid Ahmad whom I knew since my active student days in London in the late sixties for the honorary doctorate of philosophy in Computer and Information Engineering and Islamic Economic respectively.

Contribution

As to the honorable Professor Dr. Khurshid Ahmad, I must thank you for bringing me back to the memory of the late beloved Maulana Maududi, with whom we had the discussion in his house at Highbury Islington, my memory to Professor Mannan whose book on Islamic Economic were the first that I read when I was studying at London School of Economics and to Dr. Ahmad El Najjar who founded the first Islamic bank in Mith Ghamr, Egypt in the 1963.

Dear Professor, you might also not be aware of your current contribution to this Islamic University. You have heard earlier on about our great success in producing the best debaters, the best orators in this country. I would like to mention in this gathering that it is the head or the dean of the section which deals with debate is no other than your ex-student Associate Professor Dr. Arif.

I am sure the student and graduate of IIUM will be inspired by the achievement of both of you Datuk Dr. Tengku Azman and Professor Khurshid Ahmad.

21-08-2005 - 21st IIUM Convocation Presidential Speech

Speech of YB. Tan Sri Sanusi Junid, President of International Islamic University of Malaysia at the 21st IIUM Convocation Ceremony - 2nd Session on 21st August 2005.

Assalaamu'alaikum Warahmatullaahi Wabarakaatuh.

Bismillaa hir rahmaa nir rahim.
Alhamdulillaa hi rabbil ‘alamin.
Wassalaa tu wassalaa mu ‘ala asyrafil anbiaa ii wal mursalin.
Wa’alaa aa lihi wasah bihi ajma’in.

Yang Berbahagia Professor Dr. Mohd Kamal Hassan,
Rektor Universiti Islam Antarabangsa Malaysia,
Ahli-ahli Lembaga Gebenor dan Ahli-ahli Majlis,
Tuan-tuan Yang Terutama Duta dan Pesuruhjaya Tinggi,
Kakitangan akademik dan pentadbiran,
Dif-dif terhormat,
Ibu-ibu, bapa-bapa, waris-waris,
Para pelajar dan para hadirin yang dihormati sekelian

SAMBUTAN

Sama-sama kita bersyukur kepada Allah s.w.t. atas limpah rahmatNya dan keizinanNya sahingga kita berada dalam keadaan sihat dan sejahtera didalam majlis konvokesyen yang ke-21 pada hari ini.

Selaku Presiden Universiti Islam Antarabangsa Malaysia, saya berasa sungguh bertuah kerana dapat bersama-sama dengan ibu-bapa, waris dan sanak saudara kepada graduan, dari seluruh dunia, yang akan menerima pelbagai ijazah didalam majlis pada hari ini.

CONGRATULATIONS

Kepada semua para graduan, ibu-bapa dan waris saya ucapkan tahniah.

It is both a great pleasure and an honour, as President of the International Islamic University Malaysia, to have this opportunity, today, to congratulate all graduates, for the satisfaction that you have earned and for your achievements, after having persevered with hard work over the years.

CHALLENGES OF THE FUTURE

I am sure with the knowledge, virtue and discipline instilled in all of you, in variable doses, quality, quantity and intensities, while studying at this university, and with the good reputation of the university, to back you up, you are now confident and prepared, as intellectuals, to face the many new, varied and unexpected challenges, for change, in the real world outside the campus.

Let us hope that while the reputation of the university backs you up, your service and reputation in the real world, in words and in deeds, will globally enhance the good name of the university.

QUOTING FROM THE CONSTITUTIONAL HEAD

HRH our Constittutional Head, in his speech yesterday said:

‘ When one talks of the glorious days of Islam, one simultaneously refers to the Dark Ages of Europe, when scientists were persecuted and humiliated in the West, and scientific literatures were burnt, as from 800 A. D., to the end of the Dark Ages, and the beginning of the Renaissance.

During that period, the Muslim world had more than 30 world class scientists, of the caliber of Newton, Edison and Einstein.’

HRH further said:

‘ The period of the Renaissance, or the revival of learning, can rightly be called a period of learning from the Muslims or Mulim sources, by the Christians.’

It is important to remember from time to time that while Muslims are now far behind in terms of knowledge, wealth and power, there was a time when we were in front.

23-08-2004 - 20th IIUM Convocation Presidential Speech

Speech of YB. Tan Sri Sanusi Junid, President of International Islamic University of Malaysia at the 20th IIUM Convocation Ceremony - 2nd Session on 23th August 2004.

Assalaamu'alaikum Warahmatullaahi Wabarakaatuh.

Bismillaa hir rahmaa nir rahim.
Alhamdulillaa hi rabbil ‘alamin.
Wassalaa tu wassalaa mu ‘ala asyrafil anbiaa ii wal mursalin.
Wa’alaa aa lihi wasah bihi ajma’in.

Yang Berbahagia Professor Dr. Mohd Kamal Hassan,
Rektor Universiti Islam Antarabangsa Malaysia,
Ahli-ahli Lembaga Gebenor dan Majlis,
Timbalan-timbalan Rektor,
Ahli-ahli Senat,
Kakitangan akademik dan pentadbiran,
Dif-dif terhormat,
Ibu-ibu, bapa-bapa, waris-waris,
Para pelajar dan para hadirin yang dihormati sekelian.

SAMBUTAN

Sama-sama kita bersyukur kepada Allah s.w.t. atas limpah rahmatNya dan keizinanNya sehingga kita berada dalam keadaan sihat dan sejahtera di dalam majlis konvokesyen yang ke-20 pada hari ini.

Selaku Presiden Universiti Islam Antarabangsa Malaysia, saya berasa sungguh bertuah kerana dapat bersama-sama dengan ibu-bapa, waris dan sanak saudara kepada graduan dari seluruh dunia yang akan menerima pelbagai ijazah didalam majlis ini.

CONGRATULATIONS

Kepada semua para graduan dan ibu-bapa saya ucapkan tahniah.

It is both a great pleasure and a privilege, as President of the International Islamic University Malaysia, to have this opportunity, today, to congratulate you, who are our bright, hardworking and talented graduates, for your achievements, after having persevered over the years, and thereby completed your degree courses in the various skills and fields of knowledge.

Your degrees represent the culmination of your hard work and the rewards for your effort and enterprise.

CHALLENGES OF THE FUTURE

I am sure with the knowledge, virtue and discipline instilled in all graduates, in variable doses, quality, quantity and intensities, while studying at this university, and with the good reputation of the university, to back you up, you are now confident, and prepared to face, the many new, varied and unexpected challenges in the real world outside the campus.

Let us hope that while the reputation of the university backs you up, your service and reputation in the real world, in words and in deeds, will globally enhance the good name of the university.

24-08-2003 19th IIUM Convocation Presidential Speech

Speech of YB. Tan Sri Sanusi Junid, President of International Islamic University of Malaysia at the 19th IIUM Convocation Ceremony - 2nd Session on 24th August 2003.

Assalaamu'alaikum Warahmatullaahi Wabarakaatuh.

Yang Berbahagia Professor Dr. Mohd Kamal Hassan,
Rektor Universiti Islam Antarabangsa Malaysia,
Ahli-ahli Majlis dan Ahli-ahli Senat,
Timbalan-timbalan rektor,
Kakitangan akademik dan pentadbiran,
Dif-dif terhormat,
Ibu-ibu, bapa-bapa, waris-waris,
Para pelajar dan para hadirin sekelian.

Sama-sama kita memanjatkan syukur kehadrat Allah s.w.t. kerana dengan petunjuknya kita dapat berada di sini pada hari yang bersejarah bagi para graduan, ibubapa serta keluarga yang hadir.

Ini ialah konvokesyen yang ke-19 bagi universiti ini dan angka 19 adalah istimewa di dalam Al Quran dengan adanya ayat yang bermaksud “Atas segalanya ialah 19”.

Semoga, kerja kita pada hari ini mendapat berkat dari yang Maha Esa.

Terima kasih

Pada permulaan kesempatan ini ingin saya mengucapkan tahniah kepada ibubapa yang telah mendidik anak hingga layak untuk menjadi pelajar di universiti ini. Ramai ibubapa dan anak mereka yang kecewa kerana tidak berkesempatan belajar di sini.

Saya juga mengucapkan tahniah kepada pelajar yang telah menggunakan kesempatan untuk belajar di sini sehingga lulus dengan cemerlang.

Seterusnya saya mengucapkan ribuan terima kasih kepada tenaga pengajar universiti ini yang bertanggungjawab berkongsi ilmu, yang dipinjamkan oleh Allah s.w.t. kepada mereka, dengan para graduan sekalian.

Kita juga tidak lupa kepada yang membiayai pembangunan universiti ini, membayar belanja mengurusnya dan kemudian membekal biasiswa atau pinjaman kepada para graduan.

Ikatan budi antara graduan, ibubapa, warga universiti dan kerajaan telah memungkinkan berlansungnya acara bertuah pada hari ini.

Kepada semua, kita ucapkan berbanyak terima kasih. Semoga ikatan budi ini akan terus berada di dalam perbendaharaan ingatan kita.

Sifat Universiti Islam Antarabangsa Malaysia

Universiti ini ialah tajaan Persidangan Organisasi Islam atau OIC. Oleh itu, ianya adalah hasil dari satu tajaan di peringkat global.

Universiti ini membawa nama Islam. Oleh itu, cabaran baginya adalah lebih dari universiti-universiti yang tidak membawa nama Islam. Tanggungjawab kita di sini bukan saja kepada keluarga, bangsa dan negara tetapi juga kepada agama.

Universiti ini juga membawa nama antarabangsa, tenaga pengajarnya datang dari lebih 40 negara dan pelajar-pelajarnya pula datang dari hampir 100 negara.

Oleh itu, para pelajar UIAM berkesempatan mendapat pendedahan yang bersifat antarabangsa.

Oleh kerana nama Malaysia juga ada pada nama universiti ini bermaknalah pelajar-pelajar tempatan dan antarabangsa secara automatik menjadi duta-duta kecil negara Malaysia.

23-08-2003 - 19th IIUM Convocation Presidential Speech

Speech of YB. Tan Sri Dato' Seri Sanusi Junid, President of International Islamic University Malaysia at the 19th IIUM Convocation Ceremony, 1st Session on 23rd August 2003.

The Honourable Professor Dr. Mohd Kamal Hassan, Rector of the International Islamic University Malaysia,
Members of the Majlis and members of the Senate,
Your Excellencies the High Commissioners and Ambassadors,
His Excellency Sheikh Maktoum Saeed Al Maktoum and members of his delegation from Dubai,
Respected Vice Chancellors, Rectors and representatives of universities and university colleges,
Deputy Rectors,
Members of the academic and administrative staff,
Honoured guests,
Parents and family members,
Ladies and gentlemen,

Congratulations

In the first session of this 19th convocation, the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) will confer degrees on 660 graduates. I am delighted and honoured to offer my congratulations to the new graduates and future national leaders and future leaders of the Muslim ummah, after having worked very hard, you certainly deserve the rewards for your efforts.

Struggling through and graduating from the International Islamic University Malaysia is something to be proud of. But it is not the end of the journey. It is only the earlier phase in your life-long struggle.

As you proudly walked out of the gate of this university, after this graduation ceremony, you should then begin to perform in the outer world so as the university can also be proud of you.

Besides the students having worked hard, the success of the university also depends on the dedication and diligence of its academic and administrative staff. To them we say thank you.

Image

The Majlis and I are fully aware that while students may come and go, the academic and administrative staff always stay a little longer.

While the performance of the students outside the university will decide on the future image of the university, nationally and internationally, it is the staff of the university which is responsible for the attitude of the students while they are studying here. It is therefore important that in whatever is undertaken, our good image must always be upheld as of now.

Change

As has always been said, besides Allah s.w.t., the only permanency in life is change. This is the world that the graduates will be walking into a continuously changing world. It is a great challenge and also a great opportunity.

Graduates will have to decide whether they would like to be mere observers to all the changes taking place around them or to participate, or even initiate and lead, in adjusting, amending, improving, or guiding these movements of change. Opposing change will only delay but not stop the process. We have to ensure that we are not left behind and that we do not lose out in the end.

30-09-2002 - 18th IIUM Convocation Presidential Speech

Speech of YB. Tan Sri Dato' Seri Sanusi Junid, President of International Islamic University Malaysia at the 18th IIUM Convocation Ceremony on 30th September 2002.

Assalaamu’alaikum Warahmatullaahi Wabarakaatuh.

The Honourable Professor Dr. Mohd Kamal Hassan, Rector of the International Islamic University Malaysia,
Respected members of the Majlis,
Deputy Rectors,
Members of the academic and administrative staff,
Honoured guests,
Parents and family members,
Ladies and gentlemen

The Quran

Let us together invoke the highest of praises to Allah s.w.t., the Cherisher and Sustainer of the worlds, who has said in His noble book:

“There has come to you from Allah, light and perspicuous book.”
Surah Al Maidah, Ayat 15

On this 18th Convocation Ceremony, I take this opportunity to congratulate all graduates for their many and varied successes, all members of the academic staff for the fruits of their effort, the administrative staff for their efficient management and the parents for their able sons and daughters.

Tahniah

Saya ucapkan tahniah kepada ibubapa atas kejayaan anak-anak mereka. Kepada Allah s.w.t kita bersyukur dan kepada kerajaan yang membiayai belanja persekolahan anak-anak kita, kita ucapkan terima kasih.

Thank you

Joining us, today and yesterday, in honouring our graduates and sharing our joy of another year of good harvest are representatives of many nations, together with friends of the university and family members of the graduates.

To all of you, I say ‘thank you’, terima kasih.

23-09-2001 - 17th IIUM Convocation Presidential Speech

Speech of YB. Tan Sri Dato' Seri Sanusi Junid, President of International Islamic University Malaysia at the 17th IIUM Convocation Ceremony on 23rd September 2001.

Assalaamu’alaikum Warahmatullaahi Wabarakaatuh.

Praise to Allah

Bismillaahirrahmaanirrahiim. Alhamdulillaahi rabbal ‘alamin, wassalaa tu wassalaa mu ‘ala asyrafil anbiyaai wal mursalin. Wa’ala aalihi wasahbihi ajma’in.

Let us together invoke the highest of praises to Allah S.W.T., the cherisher and sustainer of the worlds, who has said in his noble book:

“There has come to you from Allah – light and perspicuous book.’ (Surah al Maidah 15).

Salutation to the members of the staff and guests

The honorable Professor Dr. Mohd Kamal Hassan, Rector of the International Islamic University Malaysia;
Members of the Majlis, Your Excellencies,
Representative of Professor Dr. Dato’ Ariffin Shuhaimi,
Deputy Rectors,
Members of the academic and administrative staff,
Invited guests,
Brothers and sisters in Islam.

On this 17th convocation ceremony I would like once again to welcome distinguished guests, parents and relatives, husbands and wives, of graduates, to this auspicious and memorable occasion.

All the parents, spouses and children of our graduates have a right to be proud as they have a share in the successes of our graduating students today, for without their support and sacrifices these successes would not be possible.

Congratulations to the graduates

With 2,273 more graduates, graduating this year, the number of IIUM graduates totalled 19,974, out of which 17,841 of them are Malaysians.

The good name of this university has been judged and will continue to be judged by the performance of all previous graduates, to be reinforced by all of you who are graduating this year.

This graduation is an occasion which closes a brief chapter of the life of our graduating students. It is a line of demarcation between one chapter of life with another chapter, which is said to be practical and more challenging.

With exposures that you have had in the university’s international environment, learning from guest professors and lecturers and working comfortably with students of different nationalities and culture; with your command of English, the language of the international community; your ability in Arabic, which is the language of Islam,; and your knowledge of Malay, which is the second most spoken language in the Muslim world, you need only hard work and perseverance to face the challenges of the future.

With hard work and perseverance these challenges will meet with abundant opportunities.

On behalf of the academic and administrative staff, and all those who work for the university, I congratulate all of you for your successful effort in your studies and make du’a to Allah S.W.T. That you will keep on being successful.

We trust you in your performance outside the campus and hope that you shall not fail us.

A word of caution

I have however a word of caution to all new graduates. While you are enthusiastic with your degrees in hand, do not be disheartened if, during this difficult period you do not easily get a job, or your employer is initially not impressed with your performance. Have faith and struggle on. Keep in touch with us even after you have graduated for we are ready to at least listen to the problems that you may face.

10-10-2000 - 16th IIUM Convocation Presidential Speech

Speech of YB Tan Sri Dato' Seri Sanusi bin Junid, President of Internation Islamic University Malaysia at the 16th IIUM Convocation Ceremony During Session 2 On 12th Rejab, 1421 / 10th October, 2000.

Assalaamu'alaikum Warahmatullaahi Wabarakaatuh.

Praise to Allah

Bismillah hi rahmani rahim. Alhamdulillahi rabbal ‘alamin. Wassala tuwassala mu ‘ala asyrafil anbia iwal mursalin. Wa’ala a lihi wasahbihi ajma'in.

Let us invoke the highest of praises to Allah s.w.t., the Cherisher and Sustainer of the worlds, who has said in his noble book

' There has come to you from Allah, - Light and Perspicuous Book ' (Surah Al Maidah 15.)

Salutation to Guests

On this auspicious occasion, on behalf of myself and the university, I take this opportunity to once again congratulate our friends, the three prominent contributors towards the establishment of this university, who are being honoured, during this convocation, with the conferment of doctoral degrees. I also welcome all distinguished guests; especially parents of graduating students who surely are justifiably pleased and proud of their children before us today.

Congratulations to Graduates

It is most inspiring, exciting and gratifying to see 2,231 graduates, being conferred degrees, in various categories and disciplines, available in the Kulliyyahs of this International Islamic University Malaysia.

Armed with this knowledge, and more knowledge acquired afterwards, we trust that our graduates' performance, outside the campus, will enhance the good name of this university.

Thank You to the Teaching and Administrative Staff

While we rejoice in the achievement of our graduates we must not forget to thank the academic staff of the university to whom we owe so much. It is because they have chosen the teaching profession that we can enjoy the benefit today, for, with all the knowledge that they have they could have earned more income in the private sector had they chosen money and not knowledge as their object.

Graduates of this university should not forget their teachers who taught them to love knowledge.

We must also thank the administrative staff for without them nothing can go right. They are always the forgotten force in any university.

Iqra’ – The Pursuit of Knowledge

Islam is the only religion with a book, the first word of which is the command to 'read '. As Allah did not position the word ' iqra'' by accident, it is therefore a divine indication on the importance of acquiring knowledge.